Banana bark recipe lovers, this one’s for you! Made with just five ingredients you likely already have at home, this frozen treat is equal parts healthy snack and dessert fix. Whether you’re craving something cold after a long day or need a fun project for little helpers in the kitchen, banana bark is about to become your new favorite.
Let me tell you a quick story about how this became a staple in our house.
A few years ago—back when I was still figuring out how to meal plan on a shoestring budget—I found myself staring at a freezer that had seen better days. Inside: two overripe bananas, a nearly empty jar of peanut butter, and an open bag of dark chocolate chips. I wasn’t sure what I could make, but I knew I needed something cold, sweet, and comforting. So I layered it all, froze it, and hoped for the best.
Friends… it turned out better than I imagined. Creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and just the right amount of salty. Since then, I’ve made this banana bark recipe so many times, I’ve stopped measuring.
But for your sake—I measured this time.
Banana Bark
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas sliced into coins
- ¼ cup peanut butter natural or your favorite brand
- ½ cup chocolate chips dark, semi-sweet, or your preference
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional, helps with spreading
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt optional but highly recommended
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange banana slices in a tight rectangle without gaps.
- Gently spread peanut butter over the banana slices. Microwave it for 10–15 seconds if needed for easier spreading.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 20 minutes to allow the peanut butter to firm up.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top (if using), then return the tray to the freezer for another 20 minutes or until fully set.
- Break or slice into bark-like pieces and store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Notes
Ingredients of Banana Bark Recipe
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced into coins
- ¼ cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or whatever you’ve got)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional but helps the chocolate spread smoother)
- A pinch of flaky sea salt (trust me—it makes it)
How to Make This Banana Bark Recipe
- Create the base
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange banana slices in a tight rectangle—you want the slices touching, kind of like puzzle pieces. - Spread the peanut butter
Gently spread a layer of peanut butter over the banana base. If it’s too thick to spread, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it. - Freeze it
Pop the tray into the freezer for about 20 minutes so everything firms up. - Melt the chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Usually takes about 1-1.5 minutes total. - Top it off
Pour the melted chocolate over the frozen peanut butter layer. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle that pinch of sea salt on top. - Freeze again
Freeze for another 20 minutes until fully set. Then break or cut into pieces and store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Storage Tips
This banana bark recipe keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to a month. But let’s be honest—you’ll probably eat it within a week. It’s the kind of thing you sneak a piece of after putting the kids to bed. Or between Zoom calls. Or while folding laundry.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bark Recipe
- Budget-friendly: Uses just a handful of pantry staples.
- Kid-friendly: My toddler calls it “banana chocolate pizza”—and he asks for it daily.
- No oven needed: Ideal for hot days or lazy evenings.
- Customizable: Add crushed nuts, granola, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of honey.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen
This banana bark recipe proves that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s a beautiful little reminder that sometimes, the best recipes are born from what’s already in your fridge. Give it a try—and maybe pass it on to a fellow chocolate-and-banana-lover.
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FAQs of Banana Bark Recipe
What are the benefits of banana tree bark?
Banana tree bark isn’t just fibrous waste—it has practical benefits too! Traditionally, it’s been used for its anti-inflammatory properties in natural remedies, especially in parts of Asia. The bark’s fibers are strong and biodegradable, making them useful for eco-friendly crafts, paper production, and even textiles. While not typically eaten, banana bark has cultural and sustainable value in both medicine and artisan industries.
Do you freeze banana bark?
Yes, absolutely! Banana bark should be stored in the freezer to maintain its texture and flavor. Freezing helps the banana base firm up, keeps the peanut butter layer solid, and gives the chocolate that satisfying “snap.” It’s best enjoyed frozen straight from the freezer—just let it thaw for 1–2 minutes if you want a slightly softer bite.
Can banana bark be used in crafts?
Yes—though it’s important to clarify: banana tree bark (from the plant) and banana bark dessert are different things. Banana tree bark is often used in crafts, particularly in rural and eco-conscious communities. Its durable fibers can be woven into mats, baskets, or used in handmade paper. It’s a favorite among sustainable crafters due to its biodegradable nature and unique texture.
Is date bark healthy?
Yes, date bark is generally considered healthy, especially when made with wholesome ingredients. It typically combines dates (a natural sweetener), nuts, and dark chocolate, making it a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. However, like banana bark, the overall healthiness depends on what you add—stick with minimal added sugars and whole foods for the healthiest version.